Public Citizen publishes Who Robbed America?, a guide to the savings and loan scandal that cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

Public Citizen initiates a “Doctor Bribing Hotline” for doctors to report unethical or illegal attempts by pharmaceutical companies to persuade them to prescribe one medicine over another. Doctors report offers of free dinners, airline tickets and cash.

1989

Federal regulation requiring air bags or passive seat belts in all cars takes full effect after a 20-year battle with auto makers.

Public Citizen and Ralph Nader lead successful opposition to $45,500 congressional pay raise, forcing Congress to take a smaller raise and ban honoraria.

Public Citizen calls on FDA to order a halt to use of silicone gel in breast implants.

Public Citizen releases report exposing NRC refusal to comply with law governing nuclear worker training and revealing that more than two-thirds of 3,000 mishaps at U.S. reactors in 1987 involved worker error.

Public Citizen wins two cases in the Supreme Court, including one protecting workers fired for filing worker compensation claims from losing their right to file suit under union-management arbitration provisions.

1987

Public Citizen publishes research about Judge Robert Bork, helping block his confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Public Citizen obtains court order directing chemical producers of Agent Orange to make important information available to public.

Public Citizen helps persuade Congress to pass legislation restricting the time banks can hold checks.

Public Citizen publishes first edition of Unnecessary Cesarean Sections, an in-depth investigation into the skyrocketing rate of cesarean births.

Public Citizen publishes its Nuclear Power Safety Report, documenting approximately 3,000 mishaps that occurred at U.S. nuclear plants in 1986, including 75 emergency plant shutdowns and record number of fines and serious accidents.

1986

After lengthy Public Citizen campaign, FDA requires aspirin makers to include labels warning that aspirin can cause rare Reye’s Syndrome in children suffering from chicken pox or flu.

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